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First, expectations are just that-expectations. Often arbitrary and never certain, we have witnessed both triumphs and 'disappointments' (according to the media) and performances not live up to hype or speculation. For example, Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte both finishing 4th in races in their lengthy programs. One who doesn't know better may expect top athletes to always finish on top. Not to be a downer, but it is basically impossible to win all the time. Athletes who understand this have less fear and tend to be more consistent performers. In my opinion, winning gold among a performance after a "sub-par"one perhaps more rewarding than a clean sweep in the grand scheme of things. Athletes, no matter how good they are, are still human.
Also, not finishing on top all the time or winning every game/match, etc. also builds mental toughness. Rising above setbacks even on the biggest of stages is where an athlete really learns about themselves. What would we learn if we won all the time? As a younger distance runner, I had to learn how to deal with placing lower in races where I expected more-this is still a work in progress. After the disappointment fades away, subsequent wins/good performances are met with a greater sense of accomplishment and appreciation.
A sense of appreciation and gratitude for reaching the Olympic games is something I like seeing in athletes competing. When watching US sprinter Carmelita Jeter speak to the media last night, she kept mentioning how "glad she was to be there". She looked pleased just to experience her first Olympics. This appreciation helps one not be in the moment and may help performance. If you were to watch Jeter, swimmers Missy Franklin and Allison Schmitt, you will see a lot of smiles amidst medal wins. A positive attitude and finding that sense of balance and enjoyment may be part of the key to victory for many athletes.
I believe having fun competing is not just for youth and recreational sport but an essential component for athletic success. We may not always have that lights-out performance and we are tempted to skip that workout, but at the end of the day, you have to love what you do.
Some of my favorite moments so far include watching athletes I have encountered either through volunteering, racing or working with their respective teams enjoy their moments (and then some!), Oscar Pistorious' unprecedented 400m prelim this morning and an epic women's triathlon finish.
So there we have it: a slice of my thoughts on the London Games. Women's marathon is tomorrow and the men's 10k is going on....now!
Stay the course. Go World.
3 comments:
I agree with all of this! I love it all - love watching and the spirit of the whole thing. ANd yes, I cheer for the athletes who are smiling, having fun, grateful. I loved the interview with Carmelita. She is one of my favorites. I think if you aren't enjoying it, you have missed (or lost) the point.
And yes! I loved Amanda's post about Sacrifice. Here is the comment I left her.
People love to use the word sacrifice because it sounds so dramatic. I get it ALL THE TIME in regards to us having 12 kids. Yes, we chose to adopt 9 kids in addition to our other 3, and yes that means no trips to Hawaii, no new cars, no expensive clothes or jewelry, very little extra money, very little free time, etc. But are those sacrifices to me? Heck no, because my kids are such great blessings and are so much better to have than trips, cars, and money.
In regards to running, am I sacrificing to do it? I say no. I choose to sleep less. I choose to get up at 4am to get my miles in. I choose to eat healthy and avoid the junk. But since I feel I am getting back so much more than I would if I were sleeping in and eating whatever the heck I wanted, they are not sacrifices. I am not a martyr, I am doing something i love and doing what I have to do to be able to do it. :) LOVE this post! hugs!
You always have the best posts, ones that really get into my head a little :). I love the Olympians who are out there laughing and smiling and really expressing their love for the sport. I truly believe that Missy is just happy to be there and if she didn't go back to Colorado without a medal, it would have been perfectly fine with her. Not many athletes feel this and I love those that understand that nothing is a guarantee.
Enjoy the rest of the Olympics...as I'm sure you will :). LOVED the swimming, but glad to see the marathon tomorrow and a few other track events!
Nice article, thanks for sharing.
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